CB66-- I can cook a brisket that looks like that, minus the smoke ring, that will taste every bit as good on an electric smoker. I smoke low, and very slow (about 16 hours) for a full packer brisket. The smoke ring is pretty, but doesn't contribute anything to flavor. Heck, if I want to make a ring, a little Tender Quick sprinkled on the brisket just before smoking will produce a great smoke ring. I usually have better things to do than sit in the yard with the smoker. Also, I smoke something about once a week with the electric smoker, sometimes twice. Do you have that much time to devote to tending a fire?

KC-- I only use the A-Maz-N pellet smoker for "cold" smoking. For hot smoking, I like the higher volume of smoke that I get using the Masterbuilt internal chip tray.

For all the "must be wood" smokers, it's interesting that some people measure their manhood by the size of their smoking wood. I personally use a different yardstick.

I also got a MES on Black Friday. Put bluntly; it works and works well. PITA to replace wood chips every hour though..

charcoal and/or wood burner ... I am old school in this regard plus it can be fun/relaxing to fire it up for a 8-12 hour burn.

me and the wife and most eveyone i know dont like smoked meats, if i can smell it while your cutting it , its smoked to long for my tasting, and forget oak, that stuff will make us burp smoke rings. i bbq a lot but my liking is very little smoking in the beginning and heat for the rest of the time, i want a nice color, i dont like my meat black. some people smoke waaaaay to long. never had anyone complain about my cooking, quite the contrary. i never use a fire box, always on a standard bbq pit. and my briskets are done in 6 hrs with a nice smoke ring and as tender as can be but not becoming roast. but like they say, to each their own. i have seen fools smoke chicken for 10 hrs.

www.pitbarrelcooker.com

Even I cook perfectly on this.

Yep. But if you want to cheat, get electric. I bet Tom Brady has an electric smoker.

Stick burner. Mike Gunter(Ramball36) built this for me last year

That's nice! How much did it cost?


PM Ramball36, he built it and would be happy to build you one!

Weber Smoky Mountain best bang for the buck. Lots of recipes-commonly referred to as WSM

http://virtualweberbullet.com/ Offers good support

Among the responses there is some good info and opinions. You should also check out http://amazingribs.com/table_of_contents.html, most specifically:

* http://amazingribs.com/tips_and_technique/zen_of_wood.html
* http://amazingribs.com/tips_and_technique/meat_science.html
* http://amazingribs.com/tips_and_technique/thermodynamics_of_cooking.html
* http://amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyers_guide/smokers/index.html

After reading each of those links in their entirety - yes they are a bit long but worth it - check out their reviews and recommendations for each category of smoker.

Hope that helps make a well informed decision.

Smokers are like firearms - different types for different needs and goals.

-Mickey